Mancini: History can motivate new boys

13 May 2010 09:24

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will challenge any summer transfer target to make history at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Mancini must strengthen his squad this summer without the carrot of Champions League football to lure players to Eastlands.

City are in the Europa League, but Mancini is aware that the opportunity to operate at the very highest level is a major draw for the likes of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Mancini must therefore think of an alternative attraction, but the Italian thinks it is fairly easy.

"I always preferred to win with a club that hasn't won for many years," he said.

"When you choose a club where you are trying to change the history, it is good for a player and manager.

"I stayed at Sampdoria for 15 years because I loved the club. They had never won and I wanted to win with them.

"Then I went to Lazio. They had not won anything for 20 years. It was the same with Inter. At Fiorentina I won the Coppa Italia.

"I always believe something can happen in football."

Although it would appear to be a matter of time before City become a major force, it has been suggested that failing to claim a Champions League berth will delay a tilt for the title by 12 months.

The argument goes that the leap to become champions from outside the top four is too great to make in one go, even for a club with City's resources.

Mancini is not so sure and cites an example from his own country as evidence.

"When you are building a team it is difficult to win something in the first year," he added.

"But in Italy many years ago, Verona were a new team and won the title in the first year.

"For this reason I know it could happen. I always work towards winning every game in every competition and we will try."

Mancini is certainly not daunted by the prospect and draws encouragement from City's performances against this season's top four and Liverpool as he plots an assault on top spot in his first full season in charge.

"We finished fifth this season but yes, it is possible to get over all those teams who finished above us," he said.

"This season we beat Chelsea twice, we drew with Liverpool twice and we beat Arsenal.

"We lost to Tottenham and Manchester United but we were always at the same level.

"These are top teams who have played in the Champions League but we were strong against them all and were ready to meet them mentally. That is important."